Homebase 'Home into a Castle' television commercial

Television commercial promoting Sainsbury's Homebase House and Garden Centre stores. This was Homebase’s first television commercial.

The 30 second commercial features 'George' (played by actor Anton Darby) who is shown to be a bit hapless with do-it-yourself (DIY). He visits a Homebase store where he learns about the services available and is helped by staff. He transforms his home. The voiceover (by actor Ian Holm) ends saying that Homebase “can help every Englishman turn his home into a castle. Even George".

There are two versions of the commercial for the two ITV regions where it was shown – each mentions different stores on the end caption. One version for Thames Television mentions Catford, Croydon, Hendon, Ilford, Kingston, Penge, Walthamstow, Watford and Willesden stores; and one version for Yorkshire Television mentions Bradford, Hull, Leeds, Nottingham and York stores.

An article in JS Journal April 1985 (page 14-15) gives full details about the production of this commercial. It explains that it was to be first shown during the weeks commencing March 25, April 1, April 29 and May 20. The commercial was filmed at Homebase’s Hendon store and Shepperton Studios.

Duration: 2 minutes 30 seconds total (each version is repeated on the tape). Advertising agency: Broadbents. Filmed by Terry Green Associates.